Veteran Trainers Assemble!

Looks like everyone's here.

Quite a distinguished group of Trainers we've got here...

Heh, of course! We've been around long enough to have tasted all life has to offer, the bitter an' the sweet.

Which is precisely why I've gathered you all here today...

Your wealth of experience!

You veteran Trainers have amassed a treasure trove of experience, skill, and knowledge...

I'd like you to impart your wisdom to the younger generation!

Our participants are eager to learn from veteran Trainers from all over the world.

Count me in! Interacting with younger Trainers is time well spent for us, too!

If an old lady like me can be of any help, I'd be happy to lend a hand.

... ... ...

(The boss is at it again, saddling me with the work of teaching younger Trainers...)

(Teaching isn't really my thing...)

(Oh well...)

(I suppose I could get away with sharing a few stories about how I overcame some rough days at work...)

Veterans, huh...

... ... ...

(He doesn't seem too excited about this, either.)

I have known much joy and suffering in my life.

Since I am your elder, let me show you what I mean.

Yes, sir!

Hahaha! No need to be nervous.

A Pokémon battle is just a way for us to communicate.

You know what? We all talk big about what you learn from battling and bonds and all that, but really, I just do it 'cause it's fun.

Who cares about the grandstanding? Let's get to battling!

...And that's why your instructions to your Pokémon should be precise and accurate.

You don't need fancy moves or outlandish tactics. Just keep things plain and simple.

Plain and...simple?

When people and Pokémon try to be different from everyone else, they just end up with more work on their plate.

Um... If you don't mind, may I ask a question about you and Dudunsparce?

I'm sorry, but answering that does not fall within the scope of my responsibilities...

Whaaaat?! C'mon, don't hold out on us!

*beep beep beep*

...Time's up.

Thank you for your hard work today. I'll be off now.

Th-thank you...

He just...up and left...

Heya, Larry!

Rika, Poppy... Good afternoon.

Nice to see you, too, Mister Larry!

We got curious about how you're doin' as a teacher...

Uh... You think maybe you could be a little more amiable?

Everyone's faces were stiff, like steel!

Hmm...

Your feedback is acknowledged...but that's simply how I teach.

I'm on my lunch break. If there's nothing else you need to discuss with me, I'll be on my way...

Even after coming to Pasio, he's still doin' his own thing.

(...That was delicious.)

(I can see myself becoming a regular there...)

Hm?

(Him again...)

Veterans, huh...

You're...Larry, right? From the Paldea region!

You were at the workshop earlier! Great to see you again!

Hello... Pleased to make your acquaintance.

Here's my business card, if you're interested.

Why, thank you! How thoughtful.

I don't have a business card, but, ah, I know! You can have this!

Thank you.

(This is a League Card...)

(Kabu, Galar Gym Leader... Started off in Hoenn...)

Anyhow, those workshops sure are great, huh?

I learned a lot from interacting with younger Trainers!

After all, life's all about training for as long as you're alive!

...Shouldn't your training be complete once you've reached a certain age, though?

Hahaha! I suppose that's another way to think of it!

That said, as long as my body can move and my motivation to fight burns strong, I'll keep on running!

I see...

I noticed that the word "veteran" didn't seem to sit too well with you.

Is that mindset of yours the reason why?

Well...

Mind if I tell you a bit about myself?

I've been a Trainer for a long time, and I've experienced a lot in the course of my life.

There are times, such as today, when I'm even referred to as a "veteran."

That said, I'm always going to have the mindset of a rookie.

...Why is that?

When I felt stuck in a rut as a Gym Leader, a young man showed me how to get out of it.

That young man was Leon, the unbeatable Champion of Galar!

You don't say...

I moved from Hoenn to Galar because I got scouted.

I was burning with motivation, but I wasn't performing as well as I'd hoped.

But in my battle with Leon, I found the potential within me that helped me improve!

Since then, I've had a fresh start, and I'm doing quite well so far in the major division!

After going through all that, I don't want to get complacent because people call me a veteran...

I'd rather keep burning, fueled and inspired by Trainers of all ages!

... ... ...

I see...

The next day...

...That's all from me.

Sheesh! And all you had to say was "I see"?!

Didn't you feel anything after hearing all that?

I think maybe he was trying to tell you something, Mister Larry...

Well, I'm not so sure of that...

Either way, I felt it best not to voice my own opinion...

*beep beep beep*

Ah. Time to get back to work...

The veteran Trainers continued to teach the younger generation...

Some with great passion...

Whoa, hey! My fiery Rapidash will incinerate all challengers!

Hope you brought some Burn Heals!

Others with extreme boldness...

First, let me get a glimpse inside your heart... I want to see if you have fighting spirit!

Don't hold back! Come at me with everything you've got!

And then there was Larry, who continued to teach in his own simple, ordinary way...

... ... ...

What's the matter?

Oh, nothing! Let's keep going, shall we?

In the blink of an eye, the workshop between the veteran and younger Trainers came to an end.

We've gotten positive feedback from the participants!

I think it's fair to call this event a success!

That's great news! I'm glad they were satisfied!

Hey, how about a little party to celebrate a job well done?

Couldn't've said it better myself! Let's go hog wild!

Sticking around, Larry?

I appreciate the offer, but I'm afraid I must decline...

Really? That's a shame.

It must be difficult having so much work to do.

If you'll excuse me...

Larry.

I have an early day tomorrow. Mind if I head back with you?

Not at all...

Kabu...

You have something you'd like to discuss with me, don't you?

Hahaha! You saw right through me, huh.

Larry, is it true that you work double duty as a Gym Leader and an Elite Four member?

Yes. We're short-staffed...

Is that the only reason?

I can tell you're a very skilled Trainer, Larry.

You were asked to join the workshops as a veteran Trainer, so I'm sure you have lots of experience.

Well...I suppose, somewhat...

I guess I'm wondering why you're so...meek.

And, admittedly, I'm also wondering if you have something weighing on your mind...

I thought you might be stuck in the same sort of rut I was in back in the day.

Ah, now I understand.

My sincerest apologies for any inconvenience I may have caused. It's nothing like that.

Really?

Yes. I simply appreciate being ordinary, nothing more.

Ordinary?

Just as you wish to take on challenges and climb your way to the top...

I wish to simply be...ordinary.

I see.

You and I have different values and ways of life.

...I'm not a passionate Trainer like you, Kabu.

If anything does weigh on my mind...I suppose it's that my boss always asks too much of me.

Bwahahaha! I guess it's tough being a working stiff in Paldea!

I didn't realize that was just your style. I'm sorry if I overstepped any boundaries...

No apology necessary.

Well, you've certainly opened my eyes, Larry! Thank you!

If you ever need to vent about that boss of yours, I'm happy to lend you an ear!

If I start talking about her...I may never stop.

...I know you're there.

You've been following me. What do you want?

Heheheh!

We've just got some plans, is all!

To take you out and steal your precious partner Pokémon!

You underestimate me.

I'll help you rethink your rotten motives!

Hah! What's wrong?

Guess I'm outnumbered...

You haven't seen the worst yet!

We're gonna hit you where it REALLY hurts...by making it rain!

What?! How did you...

You admitted it the other day, remember?

You kept going on and on about ALL of your weaknesses!

...Of course.

You decided to ambush me after hearing me at the workshop.

Yeah! We're perfectly prepared to squash you!

You don't even have enough room here to Dynamax!

(This isn't good... Light that fire and get your mind moving, Kabu!)

(There still must be a path out of this situation!)

Pardon the interruption...

Larry?!

After I wrote about you in my daily report, my boss told me to keep in touch with you.

So I thought I'd ask if you'd like to touch base over lunch...

In that case, would you like to lend me a hand here, Larry?

I'm in a bit of a sticky situation right now, not sure I can get out of it on my own!

Understood.

Well, let's knock this task off our list, then.

OK! Time to resume my lecture...

Hope you're ready for an earful... Old-timers like us tend to spin quite the yarn!

Days later...

(No sooner do I finish a task than the next one comes in...)

(The boss is always working me to the bone...)

Mister Larry!

What, did our fearless commander pile more work onto your plate or somethin'?

Indeed she did...

Nahahaha! She sure expects a lot outta you, Larry!

You're still busy, even on Pasio!

Well, that's a super employee for ya!

Anyways, you seem like you're doin' OK, despite the intense workload and all.

Your meet-ups with Kabu goin' well?

Hard to say.

*sigh* Hard to say...?

Oops... Sorry, I don't have much time to chat. I'm in a hurry to wrap up my tasks.

I simply cannot work any overtime today.

You're soundin' a bit more assertive than usual. Somethin' up?

...I have plans to go to the hot springs and eat Hoenn specialties with Kabu after work.

You're doin' WHAT?! Man, good for you! That sure sounds like a gratifyin' end to the workday.

I'll be on my way, then.

Oh, my! He made friends with Mister Kabu!

Wait a minute... "Hard to say"?! When they're CLEARLY hangin' out and havin' a good time?!